The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Activision Blizzard have settled a lawsuit over widespread sexual harassment and discrimination at a gaming company.
This information follows the EEOC’s lawsuit filed Monday in a California court. It is based on the results of a 3-year investigation and collaboration with a game publisher. As part of the settlement, Activision Blizzard will set up a $ 18 million fund to compensate employees for damages.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Activision Blizzard is in negotiations for a settlement with the EEOC, and the company itself issued a statement saying it is “actively participating in ongoing discussions with EEOC.” In its complaint, the EEOC says it notified the company of its findings on June 15, and the investigation itself began in September 2018. The agency then held “extensive reconciliation discussions” with Activision Blizzard. In addition to establishing a compensation fund, the company agrees to end all discriminatory practices (a position that Activision Blizzard has taken in its past statements), hire a compliance consultant, improve training and performance verification processes to prevent future wrongdoing, and is committed to providing information for future EEOC audits.
“We will continue to be vigilant in our commitment to ending harassment and discrimination in the workplace. We thank the EEOC for its constructive engagement as we work to fulfill our commitment to eradicate inappropriate workplace behavior, ”said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard.
All unclaimed funds from the fund will go to non-profit organizations that focus on “advancing women in the video game and technology sectors” or raising awareness of gender qualities, or future investments in diversity and inclusion.
Note that the EEOC complaint was just one of several legal battles between Activision Blizzard. The company was also sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the company’s investors, and the Digital Employee Organization Campaign. In addition, the US Securities and Exchange Commission is conducting its own investigation of the company.
A source: The Verge
